McCain, Obama battle on spending

NASHVILLE, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Republican John McCain again promoted a federal spending freeze during Tuesday's U.S. presidential debate, but Democrat Barack Obama said that would be unfair.

McCain brought up the spending freeze idea in the first debate, and raised the issue again in Nashville.

"I recommend a (federal government) spending freeze that except for defense, veterans affairs and some other vital programs," McCain said, " -- we'll just have to have across-the-board freeze. And some of those (federal) programs may not grow as much as we would like for them to."

Obama said a spending freeze would be the equivalent of using a hatchet when what is needed is a scalpel. He said government should be careful about cutting spending that hurts those most in need of help.

He also attacked McCain on taxes.

"Senator McCain is proposing tax cuts that would give the average Fortune 500 (chief executive officer) an additional $700,000 in tax cuts -- that's not sharing the burden ... I think for a ... lot of people who are listening here tonight is they don't feel as if they are sharing the burden with other folks."